Pedestrian Accident

You Deserve To Be Represented By Experienced Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Pedestrian safety is a growing concern in the United States, with alarming statistics highlighting the risks. In 2021 alone, a pedestrian was killed every 71 minutes, and one was injured every nine minutes in traffic crashes. [1] These staggering figures underscore the dangers pedestrians face daily and the urgent need for legal protection when accidents occur.If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Chicago, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone.

A Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team specializes in advocating for pedestrian crash victims, leveraging extensive legal experience to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for the justice you deserve.

Notable Chicago Pedestrian Accident Settlements We’ve Won

• $3,200,000 Settlement for a blind pedestrian hit by a garbage truck making a right turn in downtown Chicago.
• $2,800,000 Recovery involving a man who suffered significant orthopedic injuries when he was hit by a rideshare driver who veered onto a sidewalk in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
• $2,250,000 Settlement for an intoxicated student struck by a company van near a university campus in the Chicago area.
• $1,100,000 Policy Limit Settlement for a toddler who wandered into the street from their family’s Chicago home and was struck by a passing vehicle.
• $667,000 Settlement for a 34-year-old man hit by a construction company employee driving a private car while crossing a busy Chicago street outside of a crosswalk.
• $575,000 Settlement for a child with a fractured leg after being hit by a car backing out of a driveway in their Chicago neighborhood.
• $499,999 Settlement for a man struck by a delivery van that ran a stop sign in Chicago’s South Side.
• $400,000 Settlement for a woman struck by a van in a Chicago crosswalk. The pedestrian accident caused a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.
• $395,000 Recovery for an elderly man hit while walking on the side of the road in Southern Illinois. (Though outside Chicago, this case was handled by a Chicago-based law firm.)

If you’ve experienced an accident as a pedestrian, read on to find out more about your legal options, who could be responsible for compensating you, and how a pedestrian crash lawyer from our team can help.

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?

Chicago and Illinois accidents involving pedestrians have become an ever-increasing concern in the United States:

• The year 2022 witnessed over 7,500 pedestrian fatalities across the country, marking it as the deadliest year for pedestrians since 1981. [2]
• In Illinois specifically, there were approximately 1.59 pedestrian deaths per every 100,000 people. [2]
• In Chicago in 2022, there were 52 fatal pedestrian accidents related to motor vehicle accidents. [3]
• In 2021, there were 60 fatal accidents involving pedestrians. [3]
• There were 462 serious injuries sustained in Chicago pedestrian crashes in 2022. [3]

Because of the significant number of accidents involving pedestrians in Chicago, city officials have implemented the Chicago Pedestrian Plan to reduce injuries and fatalities among walkers.

What Is The Chicago Pedestrian Plan?

The Chicago Pedestrian Plan focuses on making the city safer, better connected, and more accessible for you as a pedestrian, which is absolutely essential. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 205 pedestrians suffered fatal injuries in Illinois in 2023, many of them being in Chicago.

The main goal is to eliminate pedestrian fatalities within ten years. To accomplish this, the plan recommends strategies like improving crossing roadways for pedestrians, implementing “road diets,” creating safer crossing points and stepping up pedestrian traffic enforcement.

Recent data shows a 27% decrease in traffic deaths in 2023, largely due to investments in pedestrian and bike infrastructure.

For example, protected bike lanes on Jackson Boulevard reduced speeding violations by 75% and crashes by 25%. Meanwhile, left-turn traffic calming measures cut collisions by 24% and improved driver yielding to pedestrians by 21%, showing how well-designed road infrastructure can significantly improve pedestrian safety.

Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

There are some dangerous intersections tend to be the most hazardous areas for pedestrians in Chicago. Certain roads and intersections have especially high rates of injuries and fatalities, including:

• N. Milwaukee Avenue / W. North Avenue / N. Damen Avenue
• N. Cicero Avenue & W. Chicago Avenue
• N. Halstead Street / N. Lincoln Avenue / W. Fullerton Avenue
• S. Cottage Grove Avenue & E. 79th Street
• N. Dearborn Street & W. Ontario Street
• S. Ashland Avenue & W. 63rd Street
• N. Cicero Avenue & W. Madison Street
• N. Ashland Avenue & W. Cortland Street
• S. Martin Luther King Drive & E. 63rd Street
• N. Elston Avenue / N. Western Avenue / W. Diversey Avenue

These locations have been identified as especially hazardous for pedestrians. Both drivers and walkers should exercise extra caution in these areas to help reduce the risk of collisions.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Crashes

Accidents involving pedestrians happen for a variety of reasons. Understanding the common causes is crucial in both prevention and legal advocacy following an accident:

• Speeding
• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving
• Malfunctioning traffic signals
• Poor road design
• Pedestrian distraction

Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian crashes have the potential to result in severe injuries, often life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common ones include:

• Neck Injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Internal Injuries
• Amputations
• Facial and Dental Injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Nerve Damage
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Psychological Injuries
• Fatal Accident Injuries

If you need help, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation and discuss your personal injury claim.

How To Maximize Your Pedestrian Accident Case Value

If you’ve been in an accident as a pedestrian, taking the right steps can help protect your rights and increase your potential compensation. How much compensation you’re entitled to can be affected by various factors. Here are some things to consider:

• Call 911: Call 911 right away if you’re injued as a pedestrian. Getting official documentation can help strengthen your legal claim.
• Document the Accident Scene: Photos of the accident site, your injuries, and vehicle positions can serve as strong evidence to prove what happened.
• Seek Medical Treatment: Getting immediate medical help is not only good for your health but also creates a record of your pedestrian accident injuries.
• Maintain Records: Keep all your medical bills, therapy or rehab receipts, and any other costs tied to the incident.
• Stay Off Social Media: Never post details about the accident online. Insurance companies can use your posts against you, reducing the value of your claim or leading to a denial in some cases.
• Consult a Lawyer: Our Chicago personal injury lawyers can guide you through the entire legal process and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

In the trying times following a pedestrian crash caused by negligent drivers, having professional legal guidance is essential.

Your Legal Options Following a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago

Navigating the aftermath and understanding your legal options after a pedestrian crash in Chicago is crucial. In many personal injury cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver.

An experienced lawyers can help establish fault and pursue compensation for immediate medical bills and those likely to be needed in the future.

Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault for an Accident?

Pedestrians can indeed be at fault for pedestrian crash if they engage in unlawful or unsafe conduct, such as ignoring traffic signals or walking while impaired. Pedestrian behavior, like that of drivers, is governed by rules and responsibilities intended to ensure safety for everyone on the road.

Some of the most important pedestrian laws to be aware of include:

• Crosswalks Authorized: Under section 9-60-010 of the Chicago municipal code, pedestrians should cross streets at marked crosswalks, and crossing between intersections is prohibited unless a crosswalk is not available.
• Pedestrian to Yield Right-of-Way: Per section 9-60-050, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way when they are not crossing at a crosswalk or traffic signal.
• Pedestrian to Exercise Due Care: Section 9-60-120 states that pedestrians must exercise care and be aware of vehicles, especially when crossing streets.
• Use of Crosswalk: 9-60-070 outlines that pedestrians should walk to the right if they are able.
• Pedestrian Crossing: Chicago municipal code 9-60-060 states that pedestrians must cross roadways only at marked crosswalks or in a straight line to the opposite curb, and they must not step into traffic suddenly if a vehicle is too close for the driver to yield.
• Walking Along Roadways: Per 9-60-080, pedestrians must walk on sidewalks if available; if not, they should walk facing oncoming traffic on the shoulder.

Overall, pedestrians must exercise due care, even if not explicitly written as a law. These laws aim to ensure pedestrian safety and minimize accidents in urban environments like Chicago.

Liability for Chicago Pedestrian Crashes

Beyond driver error or the pedestrian sometimes being at least partially at fault, other parties may also bear liability, including:

• Vehicle or parts manufacturers: If a vehicle or one of its critical components has a defect, manufacturers may be responsible for contributing to an accident.
• Government entities: Claims against government entities are often related to failing traffic signals or inadequately marked crosswalks that fail to provide sufficient protection for pedestrians.
• Businesses: Retailers or commercial businesses canc be liable if something they did or didn’d do caused the accident – for example, they were doing work that caused a traffic control signal to malfunction.
• Other third parties: This could include companies in charge of road maintenance or construction.

Woking with a lawyer is the best way to determine liability and who the at-fault party is after your loved one suffers pedestrian injuries.

What If My Loved One Died in a Pedestrian Crash?

Legally, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one died in an accident.

Fatal accidents involving pedestrians allow eligible survivors or representatives of the deceased’s estate to recover damages that can cover non-econmic and economic damages such as funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the loss of financial support if the deceased provided for their family.

We know money can’t bring back your loved one, but it’s important that you get what you need to make this time a little less difficult. If you’re faced with such an unfortunate situation, our Chicago wrongful death attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help.

When filing a claim following an accident as a pedestrian, it’s essential to consider the full scope of potential liability so you can ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we provide dedicated legal assistance to those devastated by pedestrian accident injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one as a result of an accident.

Our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys are equipped with extensive resources to ensure justice is served for our clients.

Here’s how we can help you:

Chicago Pedestrian Crash Case Investigation

In the event of an accident, a thorough investigation is key to building your personal injury case.

A personal injury attorney from our team will take every necessary step to gather strong evidence to support your claim, including talking to witnesses, collecting footage from street cameras and dashcams, footage from storefronts or residences if available, and any other relevant information to help determine who is liable for your injuries.

Determining Possible Damages and Fair Compensation

Determining the scope of damages and pursuing compensation is essential in helping you recover from your injuries.

With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers working on your case, you might be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident.

Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Our lawyers are well-versed in all aspects of personal injury law, including accidents involving pedestrians. We will handle the entire claim filing process for you—from preparing paperwork to submitting it within critical deadlines.

Insurance Company Negotiation

Dealing with insurance companies following an accident requires strategy and patience, especially if you were hit by an uninsured motorist and you don’t personally have uninsured motorist coverage.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we possess extensive experience in conducting tough negotiations with these companies to secure the best possible settlements for our clients, alleviating that burden for you.

Understanding the tactics insurance companies employ to minimize payouts, we craft effective approaches for these negotiations.

Court Representation

Securing compensation often involves persistent negotiation, but if a settlement cannot be reached with the auto insurance company, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are fully equipped to take the case to trial. Our team has substantial litigation experience and is ready to present your case before a judge and jury to ensure that justice is sought.

The Time Limits to File a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Claim

In Chicago, the statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202) for filing a Chicago pedestrian crash claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, there can be exceptions to this timeline based on specific case details. If you have gone through the tragic situation of losing a loved one, the wrongful death statute of limitations (740 ILCS 180/0.01) is the same.

If you fail to file on time, you lose your chance to recover compensation, no matter how clear it is that the other party was at fault.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Pedestrian Crash Lawsuit?

The timeline for settling an accident lawsuit can vary greatly, typically ranging from a few months to several years. The duration depends on the specifics of the case, including factors such as how clear liability is, the severity of the injuries sustained, and whether or not a fair settlement can be negotiated outside of court.

Having a lawyer can expedite the process because they bring experience to it. If you’ve suffered an injury as a pedestrian and need assistance with your case, reach out to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.

Are Chicago Pedestrian Crash Lawyers Expensive?

Our lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not incur any upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees; our payment is contingent upon winning your case or securing a settlement.

We only get paid if you do, aligning our success with yours and avoiding adding financial stress to what is already a difficult and overwhelming time.

Should You Hire a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Hiring a lawyer for your pedestrian accident case is always worth considering to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you truly need to be able to focus on your recovery.

An experienced pedestrian crash lawyer will accurately evaluate the extent of your losses and determine who is liable. If you don’t know what you’re entitled to and who to seek that compensation from, you won’t be able to get what you need to move forward.

Without proper legal representation, you risk settling too quickly with an insurance company that will try to offer you far less than your true damages. If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident and are seeking legal advice or representation, don’t wait to contact an injury attorney.

Damages an Experienced Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you recover a range of economic damages as well as non-economic damages when drivers fail to maintain their duty and keep pedestrians safe. This includes but is not limited to:

• Current and future edical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Physical ain and suffering
• Emotional pain and distress

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury as a pedestrian, securing compensation is crucial for your peace of mind and recovery. Our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers can provide the legal guidance and representation you need to pursue maximum compensation.

Can I File a Pedestrian Crash Lawsuit If I Was Partially at Fault for It?

Even if you were partially at fault for a pedestrian crash, Illinois law allows you to file an injury lawsuit due to the state’s modified comparative negligence system.

This rule allows an injured pedestrian to recover damages if they are deemed less than 50% responsible for the incident. In Illinois pedestrian crash like this, the amount of compensation you can receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if it is determined that you as the pedestrian were 20% responsible for the accident while the other party was 80% at fault (for ignoring a traffic control signal, for instance), your award would be adjusted accordingly: if you suffered $100,000 in damages, you would be entitled to 80% of that—or $80,000.

In situations where you may be partially at fault, it’s even more critical to work with a personal injury lawyer to ensure you’re still able to recover what you deserve. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today.

If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Chicago, a lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive appropriate compensation. We understand the difficult road ahead as you recover from your accident, both physically and emotionally.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we strive to alleviate some of that burden by handling the complex legalities so you can focus on what’s most important: your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney. Reach out online or call us at (888) 424-5757.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

Resources: [1] NHTSA, [2] GHSA, [3] Chicago.gov

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.